Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Claims Seven Lives, Injures Eleven

Wed Nov 05 2025 12:20:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed during takeoff from Louisville's airport, leading to a devastating fireball explosion. As investigations unfold, authorities confirm at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries.

On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in significant casualties. At least seven people lost their lives, four of whom were on the ground. Eleven others sustained serious injuries in the incident. Governor Andy Beshear anticipates the death toll may rise as updates emerge. Eyewitness accounts describe the violent explosion, while the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is set in motion amidst community concern and grief.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded into a massive fireball while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, claiming the lives of at least seven people and injuring eleven others, authorities reported.

The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 from 1991, went down around 5:15 p.m., as it was departing for Honolulu from UPS Worldport at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Harrowing footage from the scene showed flames trailing from the left wing of the plane before it lifted slightly off the ground and exploded in a fireball.

Officials confirmed a rising death toll, with at least four victims not onboard the plane. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared his concern that the number of casualties could increase. Some of the injured reported sustaining serious injuries, drawing attention to the violent nature of the crash. “Anyone who has seen the images knows how violent this crash is,” Beshear stated.

UPS announced that the chaos at its largest package handling facility led to a temporary halt in package sorting operations. The hub is a massive hub, employing thousands and handling over 400,000 packages an hour.

According to eyewitnesses, the plane seemed to struggle for altitude before the catastrophic explosion occurred. Aviation experts noted that the aircraft’s fuel load could have exacerbated the fire once it ignited. One witness described the incident as sounding like a bomb going off.

The event caused considerable damage to nearby establishments, including at least one local business affected directly by the crash. Community members gathered anxiously seeking news of loved ones who may have been caught in the explosion.

As the investigation moves forward, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed personnel to assist in uncovering the cause of the tragic incident, while Louisville's airport remained closed for investigations. Local officials are urging residents to stay away from the crash site to ensure the safety of first responders and investigators.

In a city where the airport is just a short distance from residential areas, the ripple effects of this calamity are deeply felt. The community is left grieving and hoping for answers amid the unfolding investigation.